My younger brother and I traveled down together a week before my parents arrived. That first week was really relaxing. I spent it helping my sister in law, laughing with my brother, and playing with my nephews. My 7 month old nephew and I bonded quite a bit. It would get to a point on the trip where he would want to come to me instead of others, and that was such a tender mercy for me. There were times where I almost felt like a mother. I was trying to make sure my sister in law could enjoy our visit too, so I spent a lot of time with the baby while my younger brother would entertain the 5 and 11 year old with video games and such. (Not my strong suit, but I am working on building those skills so I can play with them.)
But, the back to the moments where I felt like a mother! I would be playing with the baby, or rocking him to sleep, or walking him around because he doesn't like to be cooped up, and all of the sudden, I would think, "This is a tiny glimpse at what being a mom would feel like." I know it's not fully, because it isn't my child, but I had some moments where it was just him and I, and I felt this love for him that I can't even describe. It was truly such a tender mercy for me to experience that.
Family is very special and very important. Don't take advantage of them.
All my love,
Shae
